Xiaomi is one of the first non-Google brands to allow its users to get early access to Android 16 via the Developer Preview program. Initially limited to China, the program is now available globally for Xiaomi devices. So, if you have an eligible Xiaomi device (we’ll tell you in a minute) and can’t wait until June (at least) for the stable release, you can install the Android 16 beta right now and explore what the new OS has to offer.
In this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for installing Android 16 beta on Xiaomi devices.
Which Xiaomi devices are eligible for Android 16 beta?
Xiaomi is currently allowing two devices to participate in Android 16 beta: Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 14T Pro. Both are high-end smartphones launched in the second half of 2024.
If you have any of these two Xiaomi devices, check below for installation steps. Other users can only wait for the brand to expand the beta program to more devices or get a Xiaomi 15 or 14T Pro.
[Note: Beta builds generally have issues. After the upgrade, several functionalities may misbehave or may not work entirely. Review the release notes and issue trackers (1, 2) to know more about existing bugs and issues.
Please remember that these beta builds will wipe off all the data from your device. Hence, take a complete backup of your important data and save it on the cloud or any other device. Also, remember to charge your Xiaomi device to at least 50% to prevent installation failure due to low battery.]
Steps to install Android 16 beta on Xiaomi devices
There are two ways to install Android 16 beta on Xiaomi devices. The first one is the local update method, which is pretty simple and straightforward. The second method requires an unlocked bootloader and flashing the firmware file.
Method 1: Local update
This is the easiest way to flash a firmware file on Xiaomi devices. Before applying the steps, ensure that your device has the required firmware version:
- Xiaomi 15: OS2.0.109.0.VOCMIXM or higher
- Xiaomi 14T Pro: OS2.0.103.0.VNNMIXM or higher
Update your Xiaomi phone if it has firmware older than the required version.
Step 1: Back up your important data (if you haven’t already).
Step 2: Download the correct Android 16 Beta build for your Xiaomi device:
- Xiaomi 15 – Download link
- Xiaomi 14T Pro – Download link
Step 3: Copy the update package you downloaded to the internal storage.
Step 4: Open the Settings app and tap About phone.
Step 5: Tap OS version 10 times to enter the developer mode.
Step 6: Go back to the About phone page and tap the three dots icon at the top-right corner.
Step 7: Select the Choose update package option.
Step 8: Choose the correct update package, and your device will begin upgrading.
Since it’s a major update, the installation can take longer. Be patient until the process is completed. The device will reboot itself upon completion.
If you want to switch back to the previous stable firmware for any reason, download the required rollback package and flash it the same way.
Rollback package:
- Xiaomi 15 – OS2.0.109.0.VOCMIXM
- Xiaomi 14T Pro – OS2.0.103.0.VNNMIXM
Method 2: Fastboot update (for advanced users)
This is a slightly advanced method that requires your Xiaomi phone to have an unlocked bootloader. If it isn’t unlocked already, follow this official guide for detailed instructions. You’ll also need a Windows PC to use the flashing tool.
Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Back up your important data (must!).
Step 2: Turn off your Xiaomi device. Press the volume down button and the power button simultaneously until the device enters the fastboot mode.
Step 3: Connect the Xiaomi phone to a Windows PC via a USB cable.
Step 4: Download the required Android 16 Beta package on your Windows PC:
- Xiaomi 15 – Download link
- Xiaomi 14T Pro – Download link
Step 5: Locate the downloaded ROM file in File Explorer, right-click on it, and choose Extract All.
Step 6: Open the decompressed ROM folder and copy the path.
Step 7: Download the official OS ROM Flashing Tool on your PC.
Step 8: Locate the flashing tool ZIP file in File Explorer, right-click on it, and choose Extract All.
Step 9: Open the extracted folder and double-tap the XiaoMiFlash file to open the flashing tool.
Step 10: Click the refresh button inside the flashing tool. This should detect your device automatically.
Step 11: Now, paste the path (you copied earlier in step 6) and hit the flash button.
Wait until the progress bar turns fully green. When the installation is complete, the result column will show success. Reboot to system and enjoy your early access to Android 16.
Share your Android 16 experience in the comments below! Also, don’t forget to regularly visit out Android 16 section for the news and development.
Also read:
1. Android 16 beta is now available for these devices
2. Here’s when Android 16 will be announced
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